Here are some traditional Chinese massage methods for gastrointestinal regulation:
1、 Abdominal massage
1. Massaging the abdomen:
-Operation method: Lie down, bend both knees, and relax the whole body. After rubbing your hands together, use your palm to slowly massage your abdomen in a clockwise direction with your belly button as the center. The range should be from small to large, and the intensity should be moderate. Rub your abdomen for about 5 to 10 minutes each time, and you can do it 2 to 3 times a day.
-Effect: Promote gastrointestinal peristalsis, improve digestive function, alleviate discomfort such as bloating and abdominal pain. It has a good regulating effect on gastrointestinal problems such as constipation and indigestion.
2. Rub acupoints:
-Zhongwan acupoint: located in the upper abdomen, on the anterior midline, 4 inches above the navel. Rub the Zhongwan acupoint with your fingers, with enough force to create a sour and swollen sensation, for 1 to 2 minutes each time. Can invigorate the stomach and spleen, reduce stress and promote diuresis, relieve symptoms such as stomach pain, bloating, and vomiting.
-Tian Shu acupoint: located in the abdomen, horizontally flat in the navel, with a 2-inch opening beside the anterior midline. Rub the Tian Shu acupoints on both sides with both thumbs, each time for 1 to 2 minutes. It has the effects of regulating qi and relieving pain, promoting blood circulation and dispersing blood stasis, clearing dampness and heat, and can improve gastrointestinal problems such as abdominal pain, diarrhea, and constipation.
-Guanyuan acupoint: located in the lower abdomen, on the anterior midline, 3 inches below the navel. Rub the Guan Yuan acupoint with your fingers, with moderate force, for 1 to 2 minutes each time. It has the effects of nourishing the kidneys and nourishing the essence, warming the yang and solidifying the body, and has a certain regulating effect on weak gastrointestinal function.
2、 Back massage
1. Spinal manipulation:
-Operation method: Place the massaged person in a prone position, exposing their back. The masseur uses their thumbs, index fingers, and middle fingers to face each other. Starting from the coccyx, they knead and lift the skin upwards along both sides of the spine, while kneading and lifting, until they reach both sides of the Dazhui acupoint. They knead 3 to 5 times each time, and can do it 1 to 2 times a day.
-Effect: Regulate the function of organs, promote the circulation of qi and blood, and enhance the function of spleen and stomach. It is particularly suitable for gastrointestinal problems such as indigestion and loss of appetite in children, and can also be used for regulating gastrointestinal function in adults.
2. Rub the Spleen Yu and Stomach Yu acupoints:
-Spleen Yu acupoint: located on the back, 1.5 inches below the spinous process of the 11th thoracic vertebra. Weishu acupoint: located on the back, 1.5 inches below the spinous process of the 12th thoracic vertebra. Use your thumb to press and massage the Spleen Yu and Stomach Yu acupoints separately, with the appropriate amount of pressure to create a sour and swollen sensation. Press and massage for 1 to 2 minutes each time. Can invigorate the spleen and stomach, promote diuresis and clear blood, regulate spleen and stomach function, relieve symptoms such as stomach pain, bloating, and vomiting.
3、 Hand massage
1. Massage Hegu acupoint:
-Location: At the midpoint of the radial side of the second metacarpal bone on the back of the hand. Press the Hegu acupoint with your thumb, with moderate pressure, for 1 to 2 minutes each time. It has the effects of dispelling wind and relieving surface, promoting qi circulation, activating blood circulation, and relieving pain. It can indirectly regulate gastrointestinal function and alleviate symptoms such as pain caused by gastrointestinal discomfort.
2. Massage the Neiguan acupoint:
-Location: On the palmar side of the forearm, at the line connecting Qu Ze and Da Ling, 2 inches above the wrist crease, between the palmar longus tendon and the radial wrist flexor tendon. Rub the Neiguan acupoint with your thumb for 1 to 2 minutes each time. It can calm the mind, regulate qi and relieve pain, and has a certain relieving effect on gastrointestinal symptoms such as stomach pain, vomiting, and hiccup.